From Grant continue along McMillians Rd for another 5km then turn right onto Dargo High Plans Rd and continue for another 18km until you reach the town of Dargo. In the second half of the nineteenth century thousands of Europeans, Americans and Chinese headed into the High Country in search of gold. The drive up the mountain is an exciting one, it took us nearly an hour to do the 38km from the B500 (the road heading into Bright) and we counted well over 20 sharp bends. Such a trip is perfect for a long weekend and provides a real taste of what the High Country has to offer. The Victorian High Country holds some of the world's best 4WD destinations; with breathtaking panoramic views and stunning alpine scenery. The For this reason, most of the 4WD tracks in the region are closed for from the start of June to November. . At the very top youll find The Horn where its possible to walk the final steep kilometre or so to the very top. The end point go our Alpine Road adventure was the town of Dinner Plain. The Best Road Trips in Australia: Your Ultimate Guide | SIXT You must log in or register to reply here. Like many National Parks in Australia, Gariwerd is rich in Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty. For this, I am assuming you have a weekend and are travelling up on a Friday night before returning late on a Sunday. Alpine National Park is an Australian Alps national park in the High Country region of Victoria. You will have the opportunity to take in the impressive mountain range, breath-taking views, and wildlife. After a few kilometers there is a turnoff to the right to Long Spur Track continue following King Spur Track. Victorian High Country with Camper Trailer - ExplorOz Coming off the back of a year that included a 112-day lockdown in Victoria, this slice of calm on a hill in the High Country was what we needed. That being said there is a few pretty fun tracks in there. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, its also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. Balance: due and payable 30 days prior to departure. Next stop-off was beside a man-made lake we saw off to the side of the road about a further 3.5km along. We can help with the Hire of a 4WD. If I was concerned the road was a little flat for an Alpine route, I shouldnt have been. Piles of stones mark chimney sites where miners cottages, shops, banks and hotels once stood. Recommended by 94% of travelers. As tracks re-open, they are often slippery and treacherous in some places, especially after any amounts of rain, care and patience must be taken. The zoo aspect of it wasnt so impressive. The Victorian High Country is a premier camping and 4WD destination that combines breath taking scenery with some of the most spectacular 4WD tracks. Some 4WDing experience is preferred as there are numerous steep hill climbs and descents and creek crossings. Generally this first river crossing is fairly easy but there are several large rocks to avoid. The Great Alpine Road was the main reason for our visit to the High Country. The only formed campsites on the Trail are a couple of grassed areas on New Country Creek, at the base of the infamous 'Staircase' climb that can accommodate at most four vehicles. Beat the price rise & place your booking deposit on a new Trayon Camper before Nov 5th, 2021! It would involve a fair but of driving (around 1,000km) and our first big adventure with our 11-month-old little girl. With a little girl in tow, we decided to head back up into the Alpine Road and drop back into Bright for the evening. The round-trip tour from Bright in the High Country combines hikes through the ski villages of Falls Creek, Hotham and Dinner Plain . Ten Things They Don'T Tell You About the Victorian High Country! Treat yourself to fine dining The fine dining experience at Provenance is a must-do for foodies. However littleremains today. For a five day Victorian High Country Itinerary I would suggest one night in Beechworth, two in Bright and then two near Mansfield to finish off where you can visit Jamieson, Mount Buller or do as we did, relax on a farmstead. The Dargo Pubhas a great ambience and is a terrific place to enjoy a cool beverage and grab a meal, while taking in the various photographs and information on offer inside. Just past the Treasures boundary on Lankey Plain is the well-signed track on the right to King Spur and Mayford our ultimate destination for the night. Not to mention there is no fast way in to the Wonnangatta, its low range for hours in and out. However most gates to 4wd tracks are locked in May in anticipation of imminent snowfalls. Definitely! There are a few deep river crossings that are generally straightforward with a firm base, however take particularcaution especially if recent rains have fallen. I was told today visiting VHC would be like a holiday to the moon following the devastating fires. The Victorian High Country is a premier camping and 4WD destination that combines breath taking scenery with some of the most spectacular 4WD tracks. Explore the local scene in charming seaside towns and make time for some unusual stops along the way. Yes the apartment is fairly basic and there is no WiFi, but frankly, who cares. The full tour fee is payable 2 weeks prior to the tour and is not refundable after this time. The Victorian High Country is a magical place, one of the best off-roading destinations on the planet. VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY 6-DAY PACKAGE, $2850. Best of Victoria - Camping, Hiking, Snow & Road Trips | Snowys Blog If you are interested in doing a Victorian High Country 4wd Tag Along Tour then have a look at the trips that Australian 4x4 tag Along Tours run to this region. Travel Guide to King Valley, Victoria - Tourism Australia If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Located just 3 hours drive from Melbourne, it's also extremely accessible, even for a quick weekend adventure. For more recommendations read 20 Amazing Attractions to Discover in Beechworth. Helicopter Flight around Victoria Falls from Livingstone Biggleswade To Paris 240 Miles Non Stop! . Victorian High Country - 4WD Tag-Along Adventure Tour - Rezdy Sorry the content is a bit long however i felt if i get it all down people willing to help especially those that have done it before will have a good understanding of the type of trip we'd like to take for hopefully the first of many to the High country it sounds awesome!! 20 best road trips to take in Victoria | escape.com.au and Kayes wonderful home-baked goodies (left for us in the fridge) were a lovely surprise. Great Ocean Road. Its recommended that this trip is embarked on by intermediate to advanced drivers and navigators in two or more capable 4WDs with low range and appropriate recovery gear. It starts with an incredibly steep ascent, elevating 1,200 metres in just 7kms before descending 950m to the valley floor below. Both films stand the test of time, and will really get you in the mood for that gorgeous steep terrain that youre about to encounter. Our daughter was fascinated by her daily visits down to the chicken coop with Elly and we loved the home-produced produce that she left for us. A good mate of mine Garry Doyle plays these films through a projector and onto a white sheet around his High Country campsite always to an ecstatic audience. Explore the Victorian High Country and Australia's Great . 12km from Arbuckle Junction is MacFarland Saddle, which is the trail head for the Lake Tali Karang walking track. 4WD Pack Hema HX-1 Navigator 4WD, road trip, Visit Victoria Urgent Roadside Assistance Call 1300 627 742 Day or Night Find the right battery for your vehicle or application with our Battery Selector: Use the form below to find the right battery for your car, truck, 4WD or boat - in fact any type of battery across our huge range. I posted the below request for assistance in new members and received some positive feedback however it was suggested i post this request here for a better response. Ben is the blogger behind TheSabbaticalGuide.com, a site designed to give people the information, tools and inspiration they need to make their sabbatical dreams a reality. Still free in an age of user pays, there are hundreds of places to roll out the swag, pitch a tent or set up the camper trailer. The most memorable experiences of the entire trip. If you want to test your vehicle and more importantly test yourself, the High Country is the place to go. It will generally take about 1 hour to reach the camping areas in the valley from the turnoff on the Dargo High Plains Road. Victoria's High Country Brewery Trail is an easily drivable, or even better, chauffeured drive through the High Country. Once on the grassy plain you have reached the locality of Mayford, one of the best places to camp in the Victorian High Country. Turning left will take you through to Eaglevale and onto the iconic Wonnanngatta Station, but on this outing were turning right towards Dargo. 202316 - 22 April 202312 - 18 November 20233 - 9 January 202411 - 17 January 2024, Great Divide Tours 4WD Training Centre Castle View, Victorian High Country Accommodated (7 days/8 nights), Along the Murray Accommodated Tour (8 days/nights), Cruise the Kimberley Coast with Vic Widman (13 days), Exploring Len Beadell's Tracks Tour (18 days). Both Diesel and Unleaded types are available. About 6km from Dargo take the Upper Dargo Road which heads off on the right. At the end of the descent the reward is our first camping option beside the picturesque Dargo River. If you are towing a camper trailer, take extra precautions, and consider resting your brakes to let them cool down halfway down the descent. The King Spur Track starts by meandering amongst the Snow Gums before opening out to spectacular views across to Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. What I dont do on these posts it put together a random lists of places Ive never been, these are all places we personally visited and can vouch for (if we visited somewhere crap, it simply didnt make it on the list below!). Keep your radio handy so you can stay in constant communication with your convoy and other vehicles on the track. Within the thousands of kilometres of two-wheel drive roads and four-wheel drive tracks there are dozens of destinations that are part of the history of Eastern Victoria. This is one reason why this track is known as one of the most spectacular tracks in the victorian high country the views and vistas are truly outstanding. Travel tips: The best off-the-beaten-track family holidays Victoria's High Country is well known for it's breathtaking views, natural attractions, 4 wheel driving, gourmet food and skiing. Still images are harder to capture up here, as it is a genuine 360-degree view, but thats why we spend more money on our vehicles than our cameras, right? We also found this oversized chair at the top, which I imagine looks very different in winter surrounded by snow. The Blue Rag Range view from the trig point is a multilayered one, as the endless blue mountain ranges seem to go on, and on, and on. There are plenty shady parks with rest areas nearby for lunch or a quick stop over. Itineraries and trips from 242 experts. . The Best Winter Drives in Victoria's High Country There are bypass tracks around the worst areas so generally these shouldnt cause any problems. Included in price: Small-group day tour in a luxury 4WD Travel off the beaten track down exclusive 4WD backroads Morning tea Skybury Coffee Plantation with local coffee or tea, and a snack Spot kangaroos, emus, wallabies, wedge-tail eagles (wildlife galore!) Mount Buffalo is almost literally on the doorstep, the Great Alpine Road starts heading quickly upwards from here and even Beechworth is only 45 minutes away. 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Book your holidays, sit down with a Victorian High Country Map to plan your route, pack up the 4WD and come to the Victorian High Country for a trip of a lifetime! The Wellington River is also a good place to try your luck at catching a Trout although probably having a plan B for when the fish arent hungry! For a start, it boasts Victorias longest single drop waterfall (255m), but the natural paddle pools at the top are what the locals love. Australian 4x4 Tag Along Tours - High Country Engine braking is required, so pick the lowest gear your transfer case will offer, and grind your way down. WAYPOINT EXPEDITIONS. Just be careful though, as what looks like a 1 hour drive can turn into much, much longer thanks to the biggest drivable mountains Australia has on offer. We did find one small cafe by the main hotel open which, judging by how many words the owner fitted into her welcome, didnt see a lot of customer at this time of year. With a baby in the car, we didnt quite make the whole loop to Omeo but managed to do an out-and-back journey to Dinner Plain that was more than sufficient as an Alpine fix. The Victorian High Country in is without question one of the best Four-Wheel Drive locations in Australia. We chose to stay one day in the north of the High Country near Beechworth, two days in the centre in Bright and two days in the south near Mansfield. Airlie Beach. The Wellington River Camping area offers a dozen campgrounds, spread out along a 10km stretch of the river bank. There are some information boards and walking tracks around the township which provide an insight into the towns former glory. The stars here are also something else, so stay out late if you can. Now its time to select low range to save the brakes and tackle the several switch-backs which are a common feature of steep tracks in the victorian high country. On the second day drive up to the top of Mount Buffalo and take in the views from The Horn. The adventure starts at Licola, which is located on the South Eastern edge of the High Country, about a 3 hour drive from Melbourne. Move aside and let on coming convoys pass in safety. Long rocky climbs seem to go on forever, only to end with spectacular views of mountains and the distant thin lines of other tracks crossing the ridges. From Licola, head North on the Tamboritha Road for 13kms and you will reach Currawong Camp, which is the first of several scenic campgrounds in the Wellington River Camping area. We also popped into the Burke Museum which documents the failed journey of Burke and Wills to cross Australia, but also has other curiosities such as a stuffed Thylacine (a Tasmanian tiger, extinct since 1936) and a recreation 19th Century Australian street which was unusual. Cattlemens huts are a feature of the High Country. Choosing just one great track in the high country verges on a criminal act! The most popular (read: crowded) times to go are over the Christmas holidays and the Easter Holidays. 4WD only with high clearance and low range capability. The photographs in the store feature some great pictures of previous travelers dilemmas, as well as photographs of the dramatic weather conditions such as floods and fires. A little further and we commence the steep descent into the valley. Zanzibar to Cape Town | Intrepid Travel UK After a pleasant night or even a few days at Mayford, it is time to backtrack down the valley and back up to the Dargo High Plains. And as already mentioned, the view from the top is mind-blowing. Its quite impressive, but I wouldnt go too far out of your way to see it if you werent passing by El Dorado already. 0. Your 4WD should have recovery points located at the front and rear. Around 6km onwards is Kingswell Bridge and immediately over the bridge turn to the left onto the Crooked River Track. From MacFarland Saddle Carpark, continue along Moroka Road for another 14kms and you will cross the Bridget that spans Moroka River. So without further ado, here are some of the High Country must see places and my Victorian High Country Itinerary. Here is a summary of the top 10 beginner's 4WD tracks in Victoria: Toolangi State Forest Tallarook Woods Point Aberfeldy Lake Eildon Warburton Croajingolong National Park Bunyip State Park Alpine National Park Grampians National Park Below is a more in-depth explanation of each of the tracks and what you should bring along to be prepared. Victoria's High Country is a fabulous spot for a road trip - the 4-hour drive from Melbourne goes through some gorgeous little towns and once you get there, it's a pristine wonderland. Drive distance: 243 km. Jawbone Marine Sanctuary: The Best Place to Visit in Williamstown? There is enough to do here to make it an interesting place to stay home, but the big appeal is access to so many of the High Countrys icons. Youll have the region on the one map, and youll be able to plan each and every stop. Victorian High Country Tag-along-Tour Information | The Offroad Tradies Given the impact Covid has had on so many places like this though, Ill give them the benefit of the doubt, as the team seemed to be working really hard while we were there on renovations. This was more than just a place to stay though, Elly turned it into an experience. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Ok, so Ill fully admit this place not be for everyone, but we loved it. The track itself is extremely narrow at places, with cliff faces on both sides. The incline of the roads meant we gained altitude at a rapid rate, quickly getting above the green into an eerie landscape of white tree skeletons, leftover from devastating bushfires in 2013. There is also a track to the right to another campsite, but it pays to cross the Dargo River and continue up the valley as there is plenty more to come. Victoria's High Country - The Official Website - plan and book your It may not display this or other websites correctly. For a decent price tripod, try Neewer. Bear in mind that this is a 3.5 hour journey each way to Central Melbourne. Explore nature trails on foot or horseback, and frolic in the snow in winter. Bright was definitely our favourite town, with the farmstead near Mansfield the best experience, as we sat on the edge of the hill watching the sunset and a clear sky full of stars appear every night. Being such a large area you can spend weeks or even months exploring this region. This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. your itinerary sounds great, could you do day 3 with a camper trailer on? A narrow track that crests some of the highest parts of the High Country, you'll arrive at the Blue Rag trig point. this will no doubt cause some controversy, so let the hate mail begin! Unfortunately, little of this remains today. Ive already written a bit about this place in the Where to Stay in the Victorian High Country section, but I wanted to push home the point here. The Deddick Trail features some of the steepest tracks in the Victorian High Country. The food will be provided by our very guide. Id seen photos that left me nostalgic of summer trips to Austria and wanted to see this slice of Victoria for myself. Most of the time, these crossings are straight forward, however if its been raining recently, take caution and plot your course along firm footings. Track Review - Zeka Spur - Victoria's High Country - Hema Maps Online Shop It's known for its Victorian-era streetscapes, and is home to the Grape Vine Hotel, the largest grapevine in Australia. Keep going for another 15 kms and you will reach the Pinnacles Lookout and Fire tower. Beautiful mountain towns, Australian skiing, 4wD Tracks , and Camping are all great to see in the mountains of Victoria. Recommended for those with the proper 4WD training, experience and well prepared vehicle, you can take on this challenge with confidence. Victoria's High Country is the place where many of our best four-wheel drivers earned their spurs. But of course, you are in the mountains, so expect the unexpected when it comes to weather. Blue Wren Stay, Eldorado>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT PRICES<<<. He used this place regularly as a camp due to its fantastic views over the King Valley, giving him time to escape the local police. Ive tried my best to create a map showing the area which you can see a screenshot of below or it is saved on Google Maps here. One Week in South Africa Tours - Top Itineraries [1251 reviews] Victoria's High Country Brewery Trail. From Dargo, Melbourne is about a 4 hour drive. Which is Australias most difficult 4WD track? 1251 expert & traveler reviews on South Africa trips. by Evan Spence 14/01/2015, 9:44 am 1 Comment. Road trips and itineraries, High Country, Victoria, Australia This trip well explore east, so right it is along the Moroka Road. Outside of the really busy periods of the year such as Easter and summer long weekends, you are usually assured of getting a suitable site to set up camp. There will be some places that you may have heard of before, and maybe a few spots that are new. Its located off you guessed it Bluff Track. Victoria's High Country lives up to its claims. For those heading into the High Country, Dargo offers a chance to grab some last min supplies and fuel from the General Store. Driver experience Prior experience not necessary as we will assist you as we go or you might consider attending our driver training course. But then theres Zeka Spur, Billy Goat Bluff, and the list goes on. For a five day Victorian High Country Itinerary I would suggest one night in Beechworth, two in Bright and then two near Mansfield to finish off where you can visit Jamieson, Mount Buller or do as we did, relax on a farmstead. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for South Africa in 7 days. It made the must-see list for being so damn unusual, I can honestly say Ive never come across anything like it. I enjoyed many a beer sitting on the porch watching the sun go down. This is one of my favorite views in all ofthe Victorian High Country. Facilities There are pit toilets at our camp sites. Victoria Content Hub Day 1 Melbourne to Bright Distance 324km - Driving Time About 4 hours Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Alpine Road as you set off on your adventure. Four-wheel driving 10 Tips For Travelling And Exploring Remote Destinations. 5 Day High Country Accommodated Tour | Australis 4wd Adventures World's Best 4WD Destinations in The Victorian High Country You can grab a four beer tasting tray plus local pesto for $12 bring on summer! We were excited to escape the city after five months of a very hard and were looking forward to it. 5 days of great adventure in Victorian High Country The Victorian High Country, so many different tracks, so many mountains to climb, so many creeks to cross. Be cautioustravelling at the beginning of the plain as there are several bog holes that can trap the unwary. We will introduce you to different driving, convoy and UHF radio techniques along with the campground etiquette. . In the evening there are lots of places in eat in Bright including the local craft brewery. The shot above is one of my favourites, showing one of the hundreds of rustic huts that are dotted across this landscape, relics of a time when rangers and cattlemen walked these hills. Lets face it, Australia is pretty damn flat. You're at 1,750 metres above sea level, completely surrounded by stark mountains and valleys, which slowly disappear into . I have visited this area for over 25 years and have put together a trip that includes the magic and splendour of this great land. There is plenty to see here including grabbing some last minute supplies, souvenirs or fuel from the general store. Trip in a Van blogger Bec Lorrimer takes her family of five into some seriously epic terrain. 4 Day High Country Tag-Along Tour | Australis 4wd Adventures On a clear day, you can see as far as Gippsland Lakes, Mt Hotham to the north and the settled areas of the Wonnangatta Valley far below. Sitting by the warm glow of a campfire, laughing about the track you drove today that made your knuckles turn white and your heart rate go off the scale is part of the whole Victorian High Country experience. Itinerary is as follows Day before tour kicks off - meet up in Jamieson for welcome dinner Day 1 - Jamieson in to the High Country Day 2 - Travel high country tracks and trails Day 3 - Travel high country tracks and trails Day 4 - Travel high country tracks and trails Day 5 - Travel high country tracks and trails with farewell dinner